Adanson's monstera Monstera adansonii

Water

Frequency: Adanson's Monstera prefers to be kept slightly moist but not overly wet. It's essential to allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between waterings. Watering once a week is a general guideline, but the frequency can vary depending on factors like the plant's size, the pot size, and environmental conditions. Always check the soil moisture before watering. If it's still moist, wait a few more days before watering.

Watering Method: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. Empty the saucer beneath the pot after watering to avoid root rot.

Light

Indirect Light: Adanson's Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Place it near a window with filtered sunlight, or use sheer curtains to diffuse direct sun rays.

Tolerant of Lower Light: While it prefers bright light, it can adapt to lower light conditions, but growth may slow down, and the plant may become leggy with fewer fenestrations.

Temperature

Temperature Range: Adanson's Monstera is a tropical plant and prefers consistent, warm temperatures. It does best in a temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as cold drafts or prolonged exposure to chilly conditions can harm the plant.

Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Protect the plant from rapid temperature fluctuations, as it's sensitive to sudden drops in temperature.

Pruning

Purpose: Pruning helps control the size and shape of your Adanson's Monstera, promotes bushier growth, and removes dead or damaged leaves. Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts. It's a good practice to disinfect your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases. When to Prune: You can prune your Adanson's Monstera at any time of the year. However, it's often best to do so during the growing season when the plant is actively producing new growth. How to Prune: To encourage bushier growth, cut back the tips of the vines, just above a leaf node (the point on the stem where leaves and stems emerge). To remove dead or damaged leaves, follow the leaf stem back to the main vine and make your cut just above the node. If the leaf is only partially damaged, you can trim away the affected portion.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Adanson's Monstera prefers a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture but allows excess water to escape. A good potting mix for Adanson's Monstera should typically consist of a blend of peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or pumice, and a small amount of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted organic material. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Adanson's Monstera doesn't need to be repotted frequently. Repot the plant when you notice the following signs:

The roots have outgrown the pot and are becoming root-bound.
The soil has become depleted of nutrients, and the plant's growth has slowed.
The plant is becoming unstable in its current pot.

Repot during the spring or early summer, as this is the period of active growth. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, trim any damaged roots, and place it in the new container with fresh potting mix.

Humidity & Misting

Adanson's Monstera benefits from moderate to high humidity levels, which mimic its natural tropical habitat. Ideally, aim for a humidity level of around 60% or higher. To increase humidity around the plant, you can:

Use a humidity tray: Place a tray with water and pebbles near the plant, and as the water evaporates, it raises the humidity.
Use a room humidifier: This is an effective way to maintain consistent humidity levels in the room.
Regularly mist the plant: Spraying the leaves with water can also increase humidity temporarily.
It's important to maintain adequate humidity, especially in drier indoor environments, to keep the plant's foliage healthy and prevent issues like brown leaf tips or edges.

By providing the right soil, repotting when necessary, and maintaining suitable humidity levels, you can help your Adanson's Monstera thrive and stay healthy.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  To grow Adanson's Monstera indoors, place it in bright, indirect light, water when the top inch of soil is dry, maintain a warm environment, and ensure proper humidity levels.

• Outdoor

  To grow Adanson's Monstera outdoors, choose a shaded or partially shaded spot, provide well-draining soil, shield it from direct sun, and protect it from cold temperatures and drafts.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Germination and Seedling Stage:
Planting: Adanson's Monstera is typically propagated from stem cuttings, air layering, or division rather than from seeds. Germination from seeds is less common.
This stage may take place in the first few months of growth.

Establishment and Growth Stage:
Adanson's Monstera develops into a young plant with small leaves, and it begins to establish its root system.
This stage lasts several months to a year or more, depending on growing conditions.

Mature Stage:
The plant reaches maturity when it develops its characteristic fenestrated leaves with splits and holes.
Depending on growing conditions and care, it may take a year or more to reach maturity.

Flowering and Fruiting (Outdoors):
When grown outdoors in its natural habitat, Adanson's Monstera can produce small, inconspicuous flowers followed by fruit. However, this rarely occurs when grown as a houseplant indoors.
In its natural habitat, flowering may occur during certain months depending on local climate, but this is highly variable and not common when grown as a houseplant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring - summer

• Adanson's Monstera (Monstera adansonii) can be propagated through several methods, including stem cuttings and air layering. Here's how to propagate Adanson's Monstera and the best time to do so:
  
  Stem Cutting Propagation:
  
  Select a healthy stem: Choose a mature, healthy stem with several nodes (the points where leaves and stems meet) and at least one or two leaves.
  Cut the stem: Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem just below a node. The cutting should be at least a few inches long.
  Allow the cut end to callus: Let the cut end of the stem callus for a day or two. This helps prevent rot when it's placed in soil.
  Plant the cutting: Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, and water it lightly. You can also place it in water until roots form.
  Rooting: Place the potted cutting in a warm, humid location with indirect light. Roots should begin to form in a few weeks to a few months.
  
  The best time for stem cutting propagation is during the active growing season, which typically spans from late spring to early summer. This is when the plant is producing new growth and is more likely to root successfully.
  
  Air Layering Propagation:
  
  Select a healthy stem: Choose a healthy, mature stem with several nodes.
  Make an incision: Create a small incision in the stem just below a node, then remove a small section of bark, exposing the inner tissue.
  Apply rooting hormone (optional): Applying rooting hormone to the exposed area can promote root formation.
  Wrap with moist sphagnum moss: Wrap the exposed area with damp sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic wrap or a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
  Rooting: Roots will form within a few weeks to a few months.
  
  Similar to stem cutting propagation, the best time for air layering is during the active growing season, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer.

Pests

Spider mite, Scale insects, Mealybug, Aphid

Diseases

Root Rot, Powdery mildew, Leaf spot